Mahamudra, the great seal, refers to systems of meditation on the nature of the mind. In the words of Panchen Losang Chogyi Gyeltsen âMay all migrators quickly gain victory over the two obscurations by means of this path as there is no other second gateway to the state of peace.â
Mahamudra techniques have been transmitted through the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In this course we will be investigating the Gelug tradition of mahamudra using the First Panchen Lamaâs text âA Root Text for the Precious Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudraâ.
The main topics covered will be how to develop single-pointed concentration (shamatha) through focussing on the mind and how to gain insight into the ultimate nature of the mind (vipashyana). Instructions are in accordance with Arya Nagarjunaâs view of emptiness.
The course will also highlight the preliminary practices which act as a foundation for mahamudra practice along with a brief discussion of the tantra or vajrayana level of practice.